Acai Smoothie

Smoothies are a great way to pack in a lot of nutrients into your day and this acai smoothie is no exception! If you have never had acai before, you are in for a real treat as this superfood not only packs a serious nutritional punch but it tastes amazing as well. 

What is acai?

Acai is a stone fruit that looks similar to a grape, but is smaller and with less pulp and is grown primarily in Brazil.

What does acai taste like?

Acai tastes similar to other berries, like blackberries and blueberries with a hint of cacao and can instantly make you feel as if you have been transported to the Amazon.

So how does acai measure nutritionally speaking?

Acai measures the highest in terms of its antioxidant activity and according to the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) scale it has 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes while also being low in sugar. Acai also contains excellent amounts of iron, calcium, fiber and vitamin A which is a great for the skin. Furthermore, acai also contains anthocyanin compounds, such as resveratrol (the same compound found in red wine) and this is what provides that distinct rich colour while also containing flavonoids that act to defend our body against harmful free radicals.

How can you enjoy the benefits of acai?

There are so many ways you can enjoy acai. You can buy it frozen in packages or in powder form. For this acai smoothie recipe, I used a freezer pack version that you can find in your local health food store. Many people, including myself like to enjoy acai bowls, which is similar to my recipe, only I lessened the amount of liquid used to make it more like a smoothie (although I did eat this one with a spoon!) Either way, I am sure that you will enjoy this absolutely delicious treat that is perfect for the summer.